Chinese silk round embroidered rank badge insignia, late 19th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 19th century, Qing Dynasty
This antique Chinese round rank badge insignia dates to the late 19th century, during the Qing Dynasty. Originally sourced from an Imperial member's summer surcoat, the piece is a fine example of traditional needlework.
The textile features intricate embroidery on a blue silk ground, showcasing a central five-claw dragon as the primary motif. The dragon is surrounded by stylized scrolling clouds and waves, which are characteristic decorative elements of period Imperial insignia. The craftsmanship reflects the formal aesthetic used to denote rank and social status within the Qing court. The badge is circular in form and measures approximately 13 inches by 13 3/8 inches.
Its construction and iconography underscore the cultural significance of textile arts in identifying the wearers' position and authority during the late Imperial era in China.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- silk
- Dimensions
- 13" x 13 3/8"
Design
- Motif
- 5-claw dragon, scrolling clouds, waves
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.